From Paul Acton-Phillips.

DO you wonder why your car insurance is so expensive? I may be able to help.

I suffered some minor damage to my car, and asked my insurance company what I should do. They gave me a list of their preferred repairers, and I duly went to one to obtain a quote.

The first question I was asked was: ‘Cash or insurance?’ ‘Insurance’ I said. The man looked at my car and said he would send the quote to my insurance company, who duly rang me: £479.

I gave some thought to my no claims bonus and then decided to go back to the same repair shop. ‘Cash or insurance?’ I was asked once again. ‘Cash’ I said. The man looked at my car, and said he would email me the quote: £95.

The excess on my insurance cover is £75. What do you think I will do? Yes, I will be getting another cash quote, but from another garage.

Are we being ripped off over car repairs done under our insurance cover?